The Current Hub - February 2020 by The CurrentHub

FEBRUARY 2020

Join the Fight with Gate City Brewing Co. 25

Say It with Flowers 22

Joe Duffy Reviews Cherry Street Brewpub 28

Corey Regini and Taylor Ganio of Gate City Brewing Company. Image courtesy of Heidi Frampton.

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february choices ROSWELL ROOTS

Discover Roswell’s African American History Through February 29

One of the largest celebrations in Georgia of Black History Month, Roswell Roots celebrates Roswell's African American history and culture throughout the month of February with a series of entertaining, fun, and unique events for everyone. Included are Southern Soul Fixins: A Roswell Roots Soul Food Cook-Off to be held February 29, exhibits highlighting black artists, a staged reading and author talkback by Robin Seidman Pullen, storytelling, music events, and much more. For a full list of events and to learn more, visit roswellroots.org.

CHILLIN’ AND GRILLIN’

Cook Your Butts Off! February 8

Rotary Club of Alpharetta’s 1st Annual Cook Your Butts Off! pulled pork competition will be held outside of Wills Park Pool after the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge. Taster tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit charities in North Fulton. Wills Park Pool, 1815 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Polar Bear Plunge (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) & Cook Your Butts Off! (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.) alpharettarotary.com

HAPPY CAMPERS

Atlanta Parent’s Summer Fun and Camp Expo February 8

From traditional outdoor summer camps to specialized day and overnight camps, there are scores to choose from for kids ranging from ages preschool to 18. Meet face-to-face with camp directors and former camp attendees, see informational videos, and pick up brochures. While you’re there, check in on Facebook and Twitter to win prizes! North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. atlantaparent.com

5 YEARS OF GREAT BEERS

Gate City Brewing Company Anniversary Party February 7-9

Gate City will kick off their anniversary party weekend Friday night with live music by Cody Matlock, food from Big C's Chicago Kitchen, and beer! Saturday will be the big celebration with 28 taps of beer, food from Carne 250, and live music by Brennan Johnson and Truett Lollis. Sunday, they will wind down the weekend with the acoustic duo The Bluebird Two with A Little Nauti food truck. Anniversary tees and packages available all weekend. Free entry and everyone is welcome. Gate City Brewing Company, 43 Magnolia Street, Roswell. 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. gatecitybrewingcompany.com PUBLISHER Mark Penstone mark@thecurrenthub.com

HEAD WRITER Tara Gary tara@thecurrenthub.com

EDITOR Brandy Rixey editor@thecurrenthub.com

Send submissions to: events@thecurrenthub.com editor@thecurrenthub.com

the month in preview

SEE YOU IN THE KITCHEN

From the Earth Brewing Company Beer Dinner February 8

Love farm to table food along with craft beer? This is the perfect class for you. Chef Jason Stern, the executive chef of From the Earth Brewing Company in Roswell, is a well-loved guest instructor at Salud! Cooking School and always wows students with his culinary technique and creative food profiles. Come savor a seasonal dinner that reflects all the earthy goodness of winter along with specially paired brews. $49. Salud! Cooking School Alpharetta, Whole Foods Market Avalon, 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. wholefoodsmarket.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tiffany Cox tiffany@thecurrenthub.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Di Chapman Joe Duffy Geri Laufer Brandy Rixey

SOCIAL CHICK Tricia Morris tricia@thecurrenthub.com Main Phone Number 678-524-8414 thecurrenthub.com

LOVE MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOU’RE SORRY

Love Story

February 9 & 12

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this romantic classic returns to cinemas in honor of the 50th anniversary of the film and includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O’Neal) and music student Jennifer Cavilleri (Ali MacGraw) share a chemistry they cannot deny—and a love they cannot ignore. They believe love can fix anything, but fate has other plans. This beloved film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including an Oscar-winning musical score that became the poignant theme of the timeless romance. With so much love in the air this month, you might also want to see Titanic—playing February 9, 10, and 12. Movie Tavern, 4651 Woodstock Road, Roswell. February 9 (1:00 p.m.) & February 12 (7:00 p.m.) marcustheatres.com

The CurrentHub aspires to communicate in a way that’s useful, engaging, enjoyable, and unique. We strive to reflect the full range of what the area has to offer, also advocating positions that strengthen unity and continuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, enjoyable, and caring work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, happy employees, and profitable growth. The CurrentHub is published monthly. Presort standard postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Publisher has the privilege to reject any advertising. Advertisers are responsible for full content of advertisements provided and responsible for any claims made therein.

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february choices

the month in preview A SWINGING GOOD TIME

BESAME MUCHO

Sounds of the Big Band Era

Valentine’s Day at The Velvet Note

February 24

February 14

MUSIC CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

AlphaSO Youth Concert and Jam Session February 9

Alpharetta Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert and jam session. They will play music by Beethoven, Rossini, Mussorgsky, Faure, and Ravel. After the show, young instrumentalists (with at least two years of experience) are invited to a warm up, rehearsal, and performance of hits from The Greatest Showman. The concert and jam session are open to the public and free of charge. Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. Concert 3:00 p.m. & Jam Session 4:30 p.m. alpharettasymphony.org

It’s the most important date night of the year. Make it special by taking your sweetheart out for an evening of magical musical entertainment, delicious dining, and fun. Guitarists (and brothers) Noah and Josh Thompson are Roman Street—specializing in improvisational fusion of gypsy and contemporary jazz, Latin, and nuevo flamenco. With fans all over the world, they continue to redefine jazz fusion. In the blink of an eye, you will swear you’ve been transported to the Italian Alps to enjoy the sexiest guitar music ever, all in the luxurious comfort of The Velvet Note Acoustic Living Room. $54. The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 9:30 p.m. thevelvetnote.com, romanstreet.com

A LUDWIG COMEDY

Leading Ladies

February 20–March 8

From the writer of Lend Me a Tenor and A Comedy of Tenors comes the story of two broke Shakespearean actors who plan to impersonate the "nephews" of a wealthy dowager. When they suddenly discover that the "nephews" are supposed to have been nieces, a tumble of mistaken identity, pratfalls, and hilarity ensue. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. get.org

The 1930s and 40s were historic times for American popular music. Folks around the world were dancing to the new sounds of swing! Come take a trip down memory lane as Joe Gransden and His 16-Piece Big Band recreate the stylings of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and many more. $35. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 8:00 p.m. get.org

CELEBRATE CULINARY CUISINE

Alpharetta Restaurant Week February 22–29

I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING

When Harry Met Sally… February 14

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a classic romantic comedy on the big screen. Starring Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally, this 1989 film is about love and friendship, and the question of whether men and women can be friends. Aurora will be giving out a flower to every lady attending any film after 6:00 p.m. (while supplies last). Aurora Cineplex, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell. 7:00 p.m. auroracineplex.com

Dine out for a deal during Alpharetta’s Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will offer a special three-course dinner menu for $20–$45, and many also offer three-course lunches for $15–$30. A great opportunity to visit restaurants you’ve always wanted to try and rediscover old favorites. Bon appétit! awesomealpharetta.com

FAMILYSTAGE SERIES

Tuck Everlasting

February 22–23, 29 & March 7

In 1880, 10-year-old Winnie Foster, trapped by her family's strict rules, runs away and discovers the Tuck family who, long ago, accidentally drank from a spring that gave them eternal life. Winnie promises to keep their dangerous secret, but a sinister stranger arrives, planning to steal the immortal water for himself. Winnie must choose whether to drink and join the Tucks on an everlasting childhood adventure or to live a natural life full of the ordinary beauty of growth and change. $10. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. Saturdays 11:00 a.m. & Sunday 7:00 p.m. get.org

FESTIVE FAT TUESDAY

Mardi Gras at Avalon February 25

Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)! Don your favorite purple, green, and gold, and celebrate a festive evening at Avalon’s New Orleans themed, Bourbon Street bash. Shop, sip, and stroll as they turn the Boulevard into Bourbon Street with jazzy tunes and specialty drinks during the annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. Stop by concierge to pick up your pub crawl passport along with festive masks and beads. Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. experienceavalon.com

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february choices

the month in preview

POP-UP PERFORMANCE SERIES

MILTON MAYOR’S RUN

TOGA, TOGA, TOGA

February 27

February 29

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Jog For A Cause

Roswell Arts Fund (RAF) is proud to present Ed Roland of Collective Soul with special guests—Grit and Grace and Francisco Vidal. This is the first event in RAF’s 2020 Pop-Up Performance Series. Tickets benefit the Roswell Arts Fund and its mission of bringing world-class arts opportunities to Roswell and greater north metropolitan Atlanta. $35. The Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. (Doors 6:00 p.m.) roswellartsfund.org, collectivesoul.com, gritandgracemusic.com, franciscovidalband.com

Be THE Voice Toga Party!

The City of Milton is proud to partner with North Point Pediatrics to host the 17th Annual Mayor's Run and Jog For A Cause. This 5K race benefits the families of local pediatric cancer patients. Grab some friends or your running group and join this fun, fast Peachtree Road Race qualifier. For more information and to register online, visit jogforacause5k.com. Freedom Park, 13200 Deerfield Parkway, Milton. 7:30 a.m. cityofmiltonga.us

Be THE Voice is a student led movement in Georgia schools designed to spread kindness, compassion, and inclusion from grade school to graduation. To commemorate five years of teaching students to embrace individuality, they are extending the same message to their adult supporters with a college throwback Toga Party, on leap day! Create a toga that expresses your individuality and style and come ready to participate in the toga contest, toga karaoke, and other shameless toga activities. Music by Fly Betty Band. Must be 21 to attend. Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run Road, Roswell. 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. (VIP Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.) be-the-voice.org, flybettyband.com

Renowned for his passionate vocals, Ed Roland is best known as the frontman and principal songwriter of platinum selling rock band Collective Soul. The producer and two-time Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee is also a father, an avid golfer, and a collector of guitars and art.

Beat the winter blues Flying into the Future

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metro events

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

ANDREA BOCELLI WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA February 13 at Infinite Energy Arena

ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL February 10-27 in Atlanta

Twenty years of storytelling continues. The 2020 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) features 48 features and 16 short films, three World Premieres, five North American Premieres, and two U.S. Premieres from 17 countries. Screenings will be presented at venues across metro Atlanta, including Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Regal Perimeter Pointe, UA Tara Cinemas, Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema, the Plaza Theatre, and the Woodruff Arts Center. The 2020 selections are highly diverse films–covering everything from intimate and introspective biographies, epic dramas, stories that intersect with other communities, and topics with ripped-from-theheadlines urgency. The annual festival also offers compelling guest speakers and visiting filmmakers, who provide unique perspectives on the film lineup. For more information, visit ajff.org.

Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli will be returning to the U.S. for his annual Valentine’s Day performances in four select cities including a stop in Atlanta. He will be joined by the famed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for an evening to be remembered. Andrea Bocelli is the biggest-selling solo artist in the history of classical music, having sold more than 80 million albums over a 20-year career. In possession of one of the finest voices in the world, Bocelli emerged as a vocal phenomenon in the 1990s and has since gone on to become one of the most successful artists of all time. He has excelled in the operatic, classical, and popular spheres, recording seven complete operas, releasing more than a dozen hit records, and performing all around the world. Quite simply, Bocelli is a phenomenon. Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 7:30 p.m. (Doors 6:30 p.m.) infiniteenergycenter.com, atlantasymphony.org

AN EVENING WITH PHILLIP PHILLIPS

February 16 at City Winery

Since releasing his five-times-platinum debut single “Home” in spring 2012, Phillip Phillips has released two chart-topping albums and taken his expansive brand of earthy, guitar-fueled rock to stages across the globe. With his soulful vocals and ruggedly warm sensibilities, the Georgia-bred 26-year-old saw his first full-length effort, The World from the Side of the Moon, go platinum after debuting at number four on the Billboard Top 200. In 2014, his second album, Behind the Light, offered up the lead anthemic folk-rock radio hit “Raging Fire.” Phillips released the single “Miles” in the summer of 2017 as he toured North America with the Goo Goo Dolls, as a precursor to his recent and highly anticipated third full-length, Collateral—which also includes the single “Into The Wild” and fan favorite “Magnetic.” City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Avenue, Atlanta. 8:00 p.m. (Doors 6:00 p.m.) citywinery.com

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

February 14 at SCADshow

THE DOORS: BREAK ON THRU – A CELEBRATION OF RAY MANZAREK February 12 in Marietta

Premiering in select theaters around the world for a one-night only event—see the live concert documentary capturing a 2016 tribute performance in Los Angeles, CA by surviving Doors members John Densmore and Robby Krieger to honor fellow Doors member Ray Manzarek on what would have been his birthday. The setlist consists of Doors songs performed by John and Robby alongside a cast of all-star guest musicians including various members of the Foo Fighters, X, Stone Temple Pilots, Jane’s Addiction, Paul McCartney’s Band, Gov’t Mule, and more. The film also includes rare archival footage of the band, conversations with Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, and esteemed music journalist Ben Fong-Torres, as well as new interviews with John and Robby. Studio Movie Grill, 40 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. 7:15 p.m. studiomoviegrill.com

This Valentine’s Day, experience one of the greatest and most successful classical Hollywood musicals on the big screen—Singin’ in the Rain. During the transition from silent films to “talkies,” some actors have trouble adapting. Don (Gene Kelly) and Lina (Jean Hagen) have been cast repeatedly as a romantic couple, but when their latest film is remade into a musical, only Don has the voice for the new singing part. After practicing with a voice coach, Lina still sounds terrible, and Kathy (Debbie Reynolds), a young, aspiring actress, is hired to record her voice. This 1952 musical-romantic comedy, part of the SCADshow Legacy Series, was nominated for two Academy Awards. To purchase tickets, visit scadshow.com. Admission is free for SCAD Card holders, $3 for seniors, and $5 for the general public. SCADshow, 173 14th Street NE, Atlanta. 7:00 p.m. scadshow.com

VOILÀ MARDI GRAS BALL February 22 in Sandy Springs

The Voilà Foundation presents a premiere fundraiser the Saturday before Mardi Gras, referred to as Samedi Gras. STAR House is the sole beneficiary of the event, and the theme will be STARSTRUCK ~ A Night of Glamour! Guests will enjoy a dinner buffet with the flavors of New Orleans and an open bar. There will be an exclusive online auction, and also a live auction that will include jewelry, artwork, local dining, weekend getaways, gourmet baskets, and one very special travel package. Entertainment will include live music from Reckless and exciting cirque style performance artists: The Off Centered Project and Flying Daniela. Cherokee Town & Country Club, 665 Hightower Trail, Atlanta. 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. voilamardigrasball.com, starhousefoundation.org, recklessband.net, theoffcenteredproject.com, flyingdaniela.com

BEER, BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL

ATLANTA UNITED BLOCK PARTY

This leap day, enjoy all the pleasures that true Southerners live by—beer, bourbon, barbeque, boots, bacon, biscuits, bluegrass, and smoked beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. General admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling of 60 beers and 40 bourbons, and all live entertainment. VIP admission also offers an exclusive tasting experience in the VIP Area where guests will enjoy 15+ tasting stations featuring great dishes from local restaurants. Other benefits include two extra hours of sampling and much more. The first 200 guests (for both general admission and VIP) will receive a free leap year bag. A portion of event proceeds go to Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation. General Admission $39/VIP $89 (Children ages 12 and under are free). Atlantic Station, 41 20th Street, Atlanta. 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. (VIP 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.) beerandbourbon.com

Kits on. Flags out. Scarves up. It’s time for the 3rd Annual Atlanta United Block Party, presented by Bulleit. Join in at the Summerhill neighborhood for ATL's biggest openstreets celebration of all things #ATLUTD. They’re closing down Georgia Avenue and celebrating with giveaways, live entertainment, and raffle prizes on the block as Atlanta United fans prep for the first home match of the season! Plus, they’re partnering with the local pubs to offer exclusive drink specials during the event. $15. Georgia Avenue, 575 Capitol Avenue SE, Atlanta. 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. atlantaunitedblockparty.com

February 29 at Atlantic Station

March 6 in Atlanta

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FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

metro events

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

at the movies

by Britt Argo

VALENTINE’S ROMANTIC COMEDY MOVIE FEST— NORA EPHRON/MEG RYAN TRILOGY:

When Harry Met Sally..., Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail

t’s February, Valentine’s month, and what better way to celebrate than to honor two queens of romantic comedy movies—writer/ director Nora Ephron and America’s Sweetheart, Meg Ryan. The perfect month to rewatch and fall in love with these three Nora Ephron/Meg Ryan movies all over again: When Harry Met Sally... (1989) with Billy Crystal, Sleepless in Seattle (1993) with Tom Hanks, and You’ve Got Mail (1998) also with Tom Hanks.

Kirby and Carrie Fisher), but comically, they hit it off, date, and marry—while Harry and Sally couple up as “just friends,” slowly and unconsciously falling in love with each other. They eventually sleep together. Sally immediately regrets it and proceeds to push Harry away. But after he dramatically runs through the streets on New Year’s Eve to eloquently profess his love to her at midnight, he finally wins her heart. It took twelve years and three months from when Harry met Sally for them to fall in love and get married and two hours for us, the audience, to embrace them (quirks, flaws, and all) and fall in love with them, too. Why we love Harry & Sally: So many memorable moments. Still one of the most remembered

When Harry Met Sally... (1989) Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner—we were introduced to the opinionated and high-maintenance Sally (Meg Ryan) and cynical and neurotic Harry (Billy Crystal) just after college graduation when they share a ride from Chicago to New York. In a nutshell, we go on a journey as the two grow up. Harry and Sally, fresh out of college, are polar opposites. She is precise, idealistic, and prudish. He is a womanizer, laid back, and opinionated. They spend the eighteen hour car trip bantering back and forth, debating about why men and women cannot be friends. Harry’s mantra is that a man can’t be friends with a woman because they will always want to sleep with her. Sally believes otherwise. She carries a resentment for him and what he stands for, when she meets him again, but life circumstances have changed them. Harry is more mature and recently divorced. Sally has just broken up from a five-year relationship with an acquaintance of Harry’s, and after eventually bumping into each other enough times, they let down their guard and slowly become friends. They try to fix up their best friends (Bruno

scenes and quoted lines—the fake orgasm at Katz’s Deli and “I’ll have what she’s having” (from director Rob Reiner’s real mother). Sally’s quirky way of ordering food—with everything on the side—professing, “I just want it the way I want it.” Interestingly, this quirk is based on writer Nora Ephron. She does this in real life, and director Rob Reiner asked her to put this trait in the movie (thank you IMDB.com trivia). Love the scene with the four phones. After they sleep together, Harry calls his friend (Bruno Kirby) while Sally calls her friend (Carrie Fisher), who each have a phone on their side of the bed—both friends professing the details/regrets and all four talking over each other all at once. Billy Crystal elevates this sullen, deprecating character into an enduring guy we actually root for. He is funny, sings karaoke, does impressions—we want Sally to like him. And Meg Ryan can’t help but charm us, even when she is fussing, wriggling her face, or reacting to everything she doesn’t agree with—we still fall in love with her despite the flaws because Meg Ryan is just so likeable. We are rooting for them to get together. It also helps that the movie has picturesque NY scenes—lovely book stores, coffee shops, the Met, Central Park in the fall, and also, that wonderful Harry Connick Jr. soundtrack swelling in the background, with “But Not for Me” and “It Had to Be You,” to charm us through this comedy. A must watch for any mood. (Last tidbit—Tom Hanks was offered the role as Harry but turned it down thinking the script was too light. Lucky for us, he decided to work with Nora and Meg on the next two films.) Sleepless in Seattle (1993) It’s four years later, and writer/director Nora Ephron takes us on a new journey. Chicago architect Sam (Tom Hanks) is widowed, packs up his precocious 8-year-old son, Jonah, and moves to a Seattle houseboat for a “new start,” hoping they can get over the loss of his beloved wife. It’s eighteen months after her (continued on page 12)

Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures/Castle Rock Entertainment.

—

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12passing—son Jonah is worried about sullen dad, calls a national radio talk show psychiatrist, and asks for help to find Sam a “new wife.” Sensible, practical, and newly engaged Annie (Meg Ryan) in Baltimore, hears this call on her long ride to DC (over Christmas) and is immediately enchanted/ hooked on this mystery man’s plight. Becoming recently engaged to her live-in boyfriend, Walter (Bill Pullman), a highly allergic, predictable, “vanilla” kind of guy, has prompted her to question— is there supposed to be ‘magic’—a spark, a sign, when you fall in love. Is there something more out there? Could that voice on the radio, Sleepless in Seattle, be “the one?” With the use of her journalistic connections and advice from a quippy friend (Rosie O’Donnell), Annie hires a PI, travels to Seattle to try and meet them, and writes a letter (son Jonah loves) professing they meet on Valentine’s Day at the top of the Empire State Building ( just like Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember). Sam, aided by his pal (Rob Reiner), realizes he has to “get back out there” in the dating jungle, dismisses all the love letters from radio fans, and starts dating a lady Jonah refuses to like (she’s not Annie). When Jonah impulsively flies and travels alone to NY to meet Annie at the Empire State Building, his worried dad, Sam, makes it there just in time to finally meet Annie.

Image courtesy of Columbia/TriStar Pictures.

We should call this movie “When Sam Met Annie” because the entire movie is the lead up— fueled by the idea of love and romance. But Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan don’t actually share the screen until the last two minutes. We root for them, and just know, now that they finally meet, they must fall in love. It is after all—magic! Why we love it: Again, idyllic dreamlike locations—Sam lives in a stunning house right on the Seattle waterfront and Annie on the cobblestone streets of Baltimore Harbor. All the events happen over wonderful, festive holidays—Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. Classic 40s/50s songs by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Connick Jr. trigger our emotions and memories of good times. All the ingredients for a perfect romance. But of course, we fall in love with Sam and Annie because we love Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan—perfect casting! You’ve Got Mail (1998) Nora Ephron (director/writer) once again teamed Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan together, but with a twist. Despite both being in relationships, Joe Fox (Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Ryan) start out as anonymous pen pals emailing each other on AOL—a wonderful friendship, sharing stories and advice. But in the real world, Joe Fox is opening a Fox Books (Barnes & Noble type store) in the same Upper West Side, NY neighborhood where Kathleen runs her quaint bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner. As the big giant that will put her out of business, Kathleen immediately hates Fox Books and Joe Fox. He meets her at her store and is smitten, but when she finds out who he is, they become nemesis and go to “war.” They both seek advice online from their pen pals to find help handling this bookstore war, and Joe tells her to “Go to the mattresses,” like in The Godfather—put up a fight. When they agree to meet in person, it is only Joe who sees her and figures out his beloved pen pal is the same Kathleen who hates him. The fun begins when he doesn’t want to give up his friendship and decides to “win her over” in real life— bringing her flowers when she’s sick, coaxing her to get coffee, get lunch, meet in the park, and convincing her to finally meet her online pen pal (who she thought stood her up before). Perfect timing when they both break up with their “so wrong for them” partners (Greg Kinnear and Parker Posey), and at the end, when she finally finds out Joe Fox is her pen pal, “man of her dreams”—she forgives the deception and they fall in love. Why we love it: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Tom Hanks is the perfect everyman/Jimmy Stewart. Everybody’s buddy—he’s goofy, smart, funny, dependable, trustworthy, and just likeable. His

natural acting ability with the pause, the calming delivery. Sometimes it’s excited frantic blurts and ah-ha, other times, takinging a breath, head nodding, listening, absorbing it—then pausing with a slow, matter-of-fact response. We believe him. Meg Ryan, America's Sweetheart, emotes her role so well with facial features, ticks, quirks, and charm. She really is a physical actress—overreacts to things, throws her arms up, twirls, punches, and pushes her whole self into a reaction. And when she is listening to something sad or touching, you see the emotion, what she is thinking. Her face squiggles up, head tilts, and her eyes tear up or dart—as if she is taking it all in for the first time and talking back with her expressions before she can get the words out. Perfect for Valentine’s Day When Harry Met Sally... will be on the big screen at Aurora Cineplex this February 14 at 7:00 p.m. Happy Valentine’s Day, and enjoy the trilogy!l Britt Argo, an avid movie fan for 30 years, sees an average of 150 movies a year in movie theaters. She is the marketing cooordinator at Area 51: Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf5100 Commerce Parkway in Roswell. 770-5180977. auroracineplex.com & a51fun.com.

Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Studios.

Fresco Cantina Grille is a new way to eat Mexican food. We use fresh produce, homemade ingredients and unique recipes that make our food taste delicious and truly authentic.

VISIT US ON THESE SPECIAL DAYS THIS MONTH: FEB.14 – Valentine’s Day; special Valentines menu for two FEB. 22 – Margarita Day; made fresh to order! FEB. 24 – Tortilla Chip Day FEB. 26 – National Pistachio Day; try our special Tres Leches Pistachio dessert

Book yours at 404-518-1063 catering@frescocantinagrille.com

10779 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 160 | Roswell, GA 30076 | 470-395-6990 | frescocantinagrille.com Photography on left ©Jonathan Ludena, photography on right is Tres Leches Pistachio and Calavera Brownie.

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

BE STRONG. BE BETTER. BE YOU. Be Ready for Different!

Core57, a locally owned fitness studio in Downtown Alpharetta, brings a new and fresh approach to fitness. By Tara Gary

efore stepping inside the doors of Core57, I had come to the conclusion, after visiting many different types of gyms, that I did not enjoy joining a gym. I joined gyms in the past where I tried to break the contract for one reason or another, and I had to submit so many letters, forms, proof of address change, etc. that it seemed impossible at times to disenroll. My other dislike is when I am ready to workout, it seems as if other gym goers want to make it a social hour. No matter the earbuds in my ear or the blank stare into space, someone inevitably wants to chat. I am a very social individual, most of the time. Could someone come up with a concept for individuals, like myself, that seek to better their lifestyle without having to build a home gym? The answer is, YES! I am thrilled to say I have recently found such a place—CORE57—locally owned and operated by Kolleen Losch who shares the same philosophy as I do and has incorporated those philosophies into her fitness community. Kolleen explained to me she was at times intimidated by the large fitness facilities out there, and her goal was to create an intimate and personalized environment for individuals to attain specific, measurable, and realistic goals for themselves. Especially enticing for individuals like myself is the CORE semi-private program. You are given the opportunity to do exercises that can’t be accomplished in large group classes and are specifically chosen for you and your goals. Semi-private sessions are never larger than 4 people! Each person is doing their own personalized workout while the trainer is managing the session and guiding you through your workout. The trainers pair you with similarly skilled individuals, eliminating the need to feel intimidated. They challenge you with an appropriate exercise system to increase your ability to be a stronger and better YOU. The trainers are chosen after an eleven-step interview process, ensuring you are in the best hands. You can be confident you are being guided and instructed by knowledgeable trainers who care about you and your well-being. I

From left to right: Chris Thiel, Kolleen Losch, and Pam Giddings. met two other trainers while speaking with Kolleen, the owner, and both were ladies I felt could have been friends of mine for years, as well as my trainer. I admit, I am no longer as fit and limber as I once was in my 20s, 30s, and 40s, and now that I am beginning a new decade, this fitness community feels like one I can feel comfortable in while trying to obtain the fitness goals I want to achieve. The semi-private program also includes nutrition guidance, meal suggestions, supplement suggestions, fitness testing, body measurements, weigh-ins, and photos to help encourage you to obtain the goals you set and become a better you. I asked about the significance of the “57,” and Kolleen explained to me that there are “5” steps to success: assessment, goal setting, program design, implementation, and growth and “7” foundations of fitness: hydration, fuel, movement, heart rate training, pre- and post-recovery, life balance, and community. You can be confident that Kolleen and her staff have put together an incredibly well-designed fitness community with you in mind. Core57 has two Alpharetta locations: 6225 Atlanta Highway (which has been training individuals for nine years) and their new location in the Alpharetta City Center, 394 Commerce Street. Take advantage of their “Jump Start Package” which includes an assessment of you and your goals, two large group classes (limited to 22 people), one semi-private class (limited to 4 people), and one recovery class for only $75. It’s a great way to discover the Core57 difference.l Core57 | 394 Commerce Street | Alpharetta, GA 30009 Core Physique | 6225 Atlanta Highway, Suite 111 | Alpharetta, GA 30004 core57.com

Kolleen Losch assists a client exercising with kettlebells.

When not writing, Roswell resident Tara Gary is busy making industrial furniture, charcuterie boards, and local art. Most nights she can be found with her friends at local breweries and pubs drinking craft beer.

Senior Living in Historic Roswell As we grow older our life roles change. The loved ones who once took care of us often become the ones who now need care. Knowing there is an exceptional senior living community nearby is extremely comforting. Historic Roswell Place is unique. It is the only senior living facility in Historic Roswell. Residents have walking access to year-round festivals, restaurants, antique shops, churches, and so much more. The expansive porches provide the perfect vantage point to view the many parades, bike races, running races, and the neighbors and families strolling the sidewalks. Their care reputation is unsurpassed with six years of deficiency-free surveys and 24/7 nurses on the Memory Care level. The Health & Wellness Director is an RN, the

Executive Director is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, and there are onsite therapists for PT/OT/Speech. They provide proper medical and physical care and a family atmosphere for your loved one. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great place to make new friendships for those that come with little to no medical needs. Should you need the services Historic Roswell Place provides for your loved one, feel free to stop and take a tour. You are sure to feel the genuine commitment to caring from the warm and friendly staff.

Call today for more information.

Pegasus Senior Living at Historic Roswell Place

770-645-1900

75 Magnolia Street, Roswell, 30075 Personalized Assisted Living and Memory Care Services

health& &wellness

presented by Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Community Calendar – 2020 SUPPORT GROUPS

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Ostomy Support Group Third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Roswell Room. Open to anyone who has or will have an ostomy and any friends, family or supporters. Call John Dorso at 404-630-3293 to register or for more information.

American Heart Association CPR Classes* Watch for new 2020 class dates. Classes offered include Hands-Only CPR, Family and Friends CPR, Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid, and BLS for Healthcare Providers.

Stroke Support Group Last Wednesday, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., ACE Dayroom. Join stroke survivors, caregivers and families for sharing and support. Facilitated by the Stroke Program Coordinator and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. RSVP to Edna Kennedy at edna.kennedy@wellstar.org or 770-751-2708. Epilepsy Support Group Third Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m., Roswell Room. For people with epilepsy, families and care providers. The meetings provide time for attendees to share helpful information and resources from their own experiences. Contact Tim for more information at 770-667-9363. Lupus Support Group Fourth Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Roswell Room. Informal meetings to share experiences and learn from others. Guest speakers occasionally present and we also participate in some Lupus Foundation of America events. Contact Julie for more information at 404-626-2394 or lupusgroup4roswell@gmail.com. Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Fourth Saturday, 10 – 11 a.m., Roswell Room. Join our monthly support group for caregivers and family members of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related disorders. We offer a place to share information, support each other and learn about community resources. Call Christine at 404786-3433 for more information.

Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Saturday, 2/8, 3/14, and 4/11, 9 a.m. The Diabetes Association of Atlanta (DAA) offers classes at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital to teach diabetes self-management skills. Call 404-527-7180 for more information and to register. There is no fee for this class. Maternity Tours Join one of our Women’s Health nurses in the hospital atrium on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a tour of the L&D Suites, Mother/Baby Unit and Neonatal ICU. Water Birth Thursday, 2/13, 2/20, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9 and 4/30, 7–9 p.m. This class is for couples exploring the option of a water birth delivery. Completion of the class is required to be considered for water birth at North Fulton Hospital. Registration is required; $30 per couple.

@NFultonHospital

Facebook.com/NorthFultonHospital

Good Life Club Offered through Wellstar Health System, this is an organization for people 50 and older who want to learn how to live better, be healthier and stay active. Our focus on wellness, health education, travel and social activities, along with providing valuable membership benefits, affirms our commitment to healthy aging in our community. Our lifetime membership fee is $15 per person. At Wellstar, we believe in life well-lived and Good Life Club members are evidence of this belief. Invite Wellstar To Your Event Interested in requesting a sponsorship, a speaker or a worksite wellness or community event? Please visit wellstar.org, click on “Contact Us” at the top of the page, then “Sponsorship & Event Requests” on the right side of the page. Create an account and submit. You will be contacted by someone in Wellstar Community Education & Outreach. For more information, call 770-793-7373.

For more information on classes, to register or to find a physician, call 770-956-STAR (7827) or visit www.wellstar.org. All classes are held in the hospital classrooms, unless otherwise indicated.

*AHA Disclaimer: The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association, and any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the Association.

health& &wellness

presented by Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

EMERGENCY STROKE CARE, BACK/NECK PAIN RELIEF ARE CLOSE TO HOME

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Welcomes Two Neurosurgeons

hen a stroke strikes, minutes matter. Roswellarea residents are fortunate Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, a Primary Stroke Center (PSC), is close by. Being a certified PSC means strict standards, set by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, have been met. The PSC designation signifies excellence in stroke care, and better outcomes for stroke patients.

But North Fulton Hospital provides more than quality care for the specialized needs of stroke patients. General neurosurgery services, including complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery, are offered by two experienced neurosurgeons who recently joined the hospital’s Neurology team: Arthur Grigorian, M.D., and Basheer Shakir, M.D. Dr. Grigorian is a dual-trained neurosurgeon, performing traditional, open surgery, and less invasive endovascular neurosurgery, which involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to conduct procedures.

“For example, a brain aneurysm, a bulge in a blood vessel, can sometimes be repaired by inserting a catheter in an artery, usually in the groin,” explained Dr. Grigorian. “Through the catheter, a coil is placed into the aneurysm, causing the blood to clot, and the aneurysm to be destroyed. “We’re planning to enhance our operating room capabilities to allow us to perform these specialized, hybrid procedures,” he said. Dr. Shakir is a neurosurgeon with additional expertise in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery. “I treat issues originating from the bottom of the skull to the tailbone,” said Dr. Shakir. “Some of my patients with neck or back pain have already undergone surgeries that didn’t resolve their discomfort,” said Dr. Shakir. “Patients come to me with pinched nerves in their arms or legs, and sometimes they’re unstable on their feet. I use motion- and musclepreservation technology to restore function and get them back to enjoying their lives. “Minimally invasive surgery is kinder and gentler,” he said, “with faster recovery, less time in the operating room and less pain medication. There usually is a solution to resolve patients’ pain.” For more information about Wellstar Medical Group Neurosurgery, contact 770-664-9600.l

STROKE: RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS, GET MEDICAL HELP FAST Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds on average, and stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. If you’re having a stroke, it’s critical that you get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Thanks to recent advances, stroke treatments and survival rates have improved greatly over the last decade.

Use the letters in FAST to spot stroke signs and know when to call 911:

F A S T Arthur Grigorian, M.D.

Basheer Shakir, M.D.

FACE DROOPING ARM WEAKNESS SPEECH

(SLURRED OR HARD TO UNDERSTAND)

TIME TO CALL 911

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE SUDDEN: l

NUMBNESS

CONFUSION

TROUBLE SEEING

TROUBLE WALKING

SEVERE HEADACHE

Source: American Stroke Association

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

what’s on tap

Cheers Beers

by Tara Gary

won’t say which city or state I was in, but recently, I requested a recommendation from one of the hotel employees where I was staying, for a local restaurant that had a good selection of draft beers. Her response was, and I kid you not, “They have both kinds at…” I was puzzled, tilted my head, squinted my eyes, and questioned, “Both kinds? I don’t understand?” She replied, “Both kinds of beer, Bud and Miller Lite.” True story, not kidding. I will say this, we were driving from Atlanta to San Diego, so take your pick as to which state you think that occurred.

After a long day, I choose a restaurant which offers a nice menu, great service, and a good selection of draft beer. I love seeing a variety of well-selected craft beer. It reminds me of when I was twelve and received one of those boxes of chocolates with a wide variety of flavors, where each one is listed underneath the lid of the box, but even better. Living in Roswell, I am spoiled by the plethora of fantastic restaurants featuring the characteristics I admire the most. I fall into a natural cycle of revisiting my “go-to places,” making life more comfortable by eliminating the decision-making process at the end of the day, when my brain seems less useful. Sometimes you fall into bliss in the most unlikely places… like down the street from where you live. I went hiking at Roswell Mill with my friend Kara. We had a wonderful hike, and once we reached the parking lot, we realized we were starving and thirsty. She suggested going to Moxie Burger, whose parking lot is directly next to the Roswell Mill parking lot. What? Less than two miles from my residence. Absurd! How was this not on my list of “go-to places?” I was instantly impressed. When we walked in the door, we were immediately greeted by Brian who provided us with menus, offered us outdoor seating (when he realized we had a dog waiting outside), provided the dog with a bowl of water, and pointed out the draft beer list—that's when I realized this was meant to be. Granted, the list mainly consisted of IPAs, but a seriously nice variety of them. I had the Wild Leap (LaGrange) Truck Chaser, and I sampled Steady Hand (Atlanta) Tangerine Flower Business, as well as Schoolhouse (Marietta) The Sour Before Christmas. I loved all three beers, however, I was most surprised by the Schoolhouse sour. I am not typically fond of sours but this

fruity, blackberry sour has changed my outlook. It was simply delicious. Brian, from Moxie Burger, mentioned his intentions to add some porters and stouts to the menu, which I look forward to. Aside from the fabulous beers, the food was fantastic, as well. I had a delicious, fresh salad topped with grilled chicken, blue cheese, and fried onions. So, if you’re one of those people looking for another good spot to add to your “go-to places” for a nice beer selection to complement your meal, I highly suggest a visit to Moxie Burger in Roswell. While hiking with my friend, Kara, that day, I reminded her about purchasing tickets to some of the more popular festivals around town. Spring will be here before you know it, and many tickets to spring festivals sell out. What does this have to do with beer? Everything. There are so many great beer festivals—including Roswell Beer Festival; Kennesaw Beer & Wine Festival; Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival; No Water. No Beer. Festival;

LADIES Ken Ludwig DIRECTED BY James Donadio

SweetWater 420 Fest; Atlanta German Bierfest; and East Atlanta Craft Beer Festival, just to name a few. Not only am I getting excited about the festivals on the horizon, but I also welcome Alive in Roswell, every third Thursday beginning in April. Speaking of festivals, there’s a new product I am thrilled about—StackCup! It’s had huge success overseas and made its way to our doorstep just in time for festival season. Stack-Cup is a new way to consume your favorite beverage in a guilt free and fun way, that doesn’t destroy our planet. This recyclable cup will present a new way festivals, arenas, and large event venues offer consumers the ability to safely and reliably carry multiple beverages, with one hand, eliminating the need for cup carriers and trays. These durable cups are not only unique in design, but they are reusable— sustaining over 200 washes. What’s truly exceptional is, should a venue have an event lasting more than one day, the company will attend the event, assist in collecting the used cups, and wash them overnight in a portable wash facility specifically made to wash the cups in an efficient, low energy, and environmentally-friendly way. I look forward to seeing this product in use, as disposable plastics will be fading fast in our near future. Not only do I love them for eco-friendly reasons, I love that I can carry more than one beverage in my hand without spilling, and as clumsy as I can be sometimes, I will have my left hand free to hold onto stair railings should I need to. So, cheers to beers, great local restaurants offering great beer selections, beer festivals on the horizon, and my favorite new way to consume them, Stack-Cup.l Moxie Burger Founders Square 555 South Atlanta Street, Suite A600 Roswell, GA moxierestaurantgroup.com

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 8 NOW SELLING! | GET.ORG | 770.641.1260

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

LEADING

life at 50+

20 FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

e v FOR lo OF MY KITCHEN CABINET

by Di Chapman

If presidents can have them, so can we!

appy Valentine’s Day, Everyone! Y’all, I know it’s February, and this column title and introduction might surprise you as a Valentine’s Day piece, but please indulge me in my stream of consciousness. You, my regular readers, know the way my brain works, and to you new readers, welcome to my unconventional style! I hope you’ll find it engaging. That said, I’ll dive into a Valentine’s column that is a tribute to friends.

In addition to Valentine’s Day, February is a month of presidential birthdays, and I’ve had an idea about writing a column paying homage to my personal “Kitchen Cabinet” of friends and family for a long time. So, allow me for a moment, if you will, to explore a miniscule piece of presidential history. When President Andrew Jackson decided that his official Presidential Cabinet was being screwed up by rivalry between Vice President John C. Calhoun and Secretary of State Martin Van Buren around 1829, he cancelled all cabinet meetings. He started an unofficial (and somewhat controversial) group of trusted friends and personal advisors who then made policy decisions with him, often referred to as his “Kitchen Cabinet.” Informal Presidential “Cabinets,” as such, go back to our number one. George Washington met with his “crew” regularly at Mount Vernon, with Martha cooking meals and their many dogs underfoot. My Kitchen Cabinet literally brings everyone into the kitchen. I have no doubt that when George and Martha hosted his trusted advisors, they hung out smoking their pipes and drinking ale in the kitchen, as well. Everyone loves kitchens. Standing in the kitchen is a God-endorsed, all-American constitutional. Heaven knows I stand in the kitchen waiting for a donut to magically appear every day. My Kitchen Cabinet members sip wine, drink sodas, and munch. So, ladies and gentlemen (Yes, you too!), check out some of my Kitchen Cabinet members. We’re posing in my, well, kitchen. These are some of the treasured folks I turn to when I need the real deal, the logical scoop, a humorous take, grounded advice, or emotional support. And it works both ways. It’s give-and-take. My Kitchen Cabinet supports me, and I support them, like their many other friends and VIPs do. Like sets and subsets, our lives overlap, and the advisory realm grows and reciprocates. Since Jackson, many other presidents have had “Kitchen Cabinets,” too. Like them, with mine, we’re easily saddled with our own conundrums, critical decisions, heartbreaks, breakthroughs, and uncertainties. Maybe we aren’t debating waging war (!!!), thank goodness. Maybe our concerns are about which toilet to install in the master bathroom, or how we accidentally

stepped on the car’s accelerator instead of the brake and took out the side of the house. And the heartbreaks and tough decisions? We all know what they are. Mind you, we’re not a mastermind or accountability group. I’d flunk those groups and slink away with embarrassment. With my Kitchen Cabinet I feel safe to be what I’m certain is a low-IQ overachiever. That’s the great thing about a Kitchen Cabinet. Like architect Gil Schafer said, “True authenticity is a lack of perfection.” Was I his model or what? So, moms, dads, spouses, and siblings can be advisors. Friends, bosses, teachers, and retired neighbors can be advisors. Invite them into your kitchen. My phone tinkles every night at midnight (Seriously, I just don’t know what to call the sound it makes.), announcing texts coming in. My sister and friends text me the latest facial expressions on their dogs and cats, along with their hysterical sleeping positions on their backs with all four paws in the air; or to tell me about an ocean visit. They inquire about my health and really want to know. They relay what the day brought them, and the real stuff of life. That’s my Kitchen Cabinet. In between serious matters, we take time to swap stories that make us belly laugh. Memories surface. Like the date I had with one of the O.J. Simpson trial’s TV legal analysts, and the LA Rams’ lawyer dates, after meeting him in the grocery store. Or the time I gave a speech and my slip fell down. Or the speech where my blouse fell open. (I promise I thought I had it secured!) Of course no one mentioned the unmentionable, and I discovered it afterward. My Kitchen Cabinet hums along. There’s the story of my girlfriend who went to her first ever church camp at 70. She returned shell-shocked about the “cellblock” architecture, disgusting bunks, and communal bathroom. She confessed she took a SILK nightgown. She and her companions talked all night, and particularly loved musical chairs. She’s going back, next time with PJs. I’m clueless why church camps never change. At 72, she went to “Camo,” where she and the ladies trained in fending off attackers. Kicking those creeps in the family jewels is no longer au courant. Apparently, they’ve prepared for that now before stalking. My inquiring mind wants to know how. But now, ladies, you poke fingers in their eyes. Hard.

21 FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

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Hooah! This friend/Kitchen Cabinet advisor is an inspiration, as are all of my friends of all ages. I’m convinced they’re all wise, and their accumulated stories and smarts keep us on our toes. They’re healthcare professionals, athletes, teachers, bankers, IT professionals, and more. What do these advisors know well? The wisdom of George Burns, for one: “New dreams, new works in progress—that’s the ticket for a long and happy ride.” To my sister, sister-in-law, and friends (here and across the country), who are truly at the heart of my Kitchen Cabinet, Happy Valentine’s Day! Business guru Brian Tracy once said, “The amount you laugh in your relationships with others is the true measure of the health of your personality.” On that note, dear advisors, everyone into the kitchen!l Di Chapman is an inspirational author and speaker, and a branding consultant. Di’s latest book is Rekindle Your Purpose: Break through your disappointments, discouragements, and detours to resurrect your purpose and live it!

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FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

garden

Green Scene by Geri Laufer

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Flowers speak volumes if you know the language.

ussie-mussies are small nosegays of herbs and flowers, typically with a rose in the center, that can send a message in the language of flowers. Do you speak the flower language? Floral fluency comes in handy around Valentine’s Day to translate exactly what the bouquet you’re giving or receiving intends to say. The symbolism of an olive branch to mean “peace” is universally recognized, as is the “strength” of a mighty oak, or the red rose for “love.” But did you know that each garden blossom, wildflower, fern bulb, herb, flower, and tree also has acquired a meaning in the language of flowers? Floral symbolism was adapted from a wide variety of sources including mythology,

religion, the Bible, the Turkish selam, literature, drama, and even location. However, it wasn’t until England’s Victorian era (1837-1901) that using petaled messengers really came into vogue. The Victorians were quite reserved. Love and romance weren’t discussed openly, and many a tongue-tied beau let flowers speak for him. To get the message across, Victorians created small bouquets of flowers and herbs called tussiemussies or “talking bouquets.” Each flower and sprig has its own meaning, so messages could be sent depending on the choice of flowers. Dozens of floral dictionaries were written interpreting the symbolism of garden and wildflowers, herbs, and various plants. If a suitor sends calla lilies, he‘s thinking, “You’re hot,” though clematis says, “I love you for your mind.” Ferns declare, “I find you fascinating,” while mistletoe practically shouts, “Kiss me!”

glossary and “hatred” in another. Colors matter. The rose, universally associated with love and beauty, signifies passion (red), grace and beauty (pink), unity (white), friendship (yellow), and an engagement (when two roses are taped together). Despite today’s mobile phones, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype, there’s still something about flowers, given from the heart, that speaks louder than words. For more on the meaning of flowers and a comprehensive dictionary, find my book TussieMussies: The Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers (Workman, 1993: NY) on Amazon.l

Photo credits: Geraldine Adamich Laufer MS, APR

A Rose By Any Other Name This language of flowers became quite elaborate and many flowers were given multiple meanings. Conversations, known as floriography, could get thorny if lovers consulted different dictionaries. For example, yellow carnations represent “admiration” in one book and “flat-out rejection” in another, while basil may mean “love” in one

Book jacket, Tussie-Mussies, by The Current Hub garden columnist Geri Laufer.

From the book Tussie-Mussies, the meanings of the flowers add up to create the theme.

Tussie-mussies are the perfect size for children to assemble (with or without their floral symbolism). Photo by Tracy Minjaw.

Just for fun, test your knowledge of the language of flowers on roses. See if you can match these roses with their meanings. 1.

CABBAGE ROSE

A. beauty always new

2. CHERRY RED ROSE

B. early attachment

3. CORAL ROSE

C. good news, jubilation

4. CHINA ROSE

D. sweetness of character derived from good works

5. GILDED ROSE

E. excess

6. GUELDER (VIBURNUM) ROSE

F. passion, desire, martyrdom

G. unity

MUSK ROSE

SCOTT ANTIQUE MARKETS

8. PINK ROSE

H. death is preferable to dishonor

9. RED ROSE

I. youth, your ignorance of love is sweet

10. RED AND WHITE ROSE

J. ambassador of love

11. ROSE-COLORED ROSE

K. youth, good health

12. SHELL-PINK ROSE

L. capricious beauty

13. THORNLESS ROSE

M. never too late to amend

14. ROSEBUD

N. creative force

15. WHITE ROSE

O. brilliant complexion

16. WITHERED ROSE

P. friendship

17. YELLOW ROSE

Q. shyness

18. GOLD ROSE

R. grace, beauty

19. DAMASK ROSE

S. admire your accomplishments

20. JAPANESE (KERRIA) ROSE

T. highest mark of distinction, absolute achievement

Geri Laufer’s twin loves are horticulture and garden writing. She earned a Masters of Science degree in Horticulture from Rutgers University and was a Georgia Cooperative Extension Agent on the team that founded the Master Gardener Program in Georgia, an Adjunct Professor in the Environmental Horticulture department at Gwinnett Technical Institute, and Public Relations Manager/Newsletter Editor for the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She’s an Atlanta dirt gardener and her home gardens have been featured in books and magazines—including Southern Accents, American Homes and Lifestyles, and Atlanta Magazine. Her award-winning book, Tussie-Mussies, lead to a 30-city publicity tour and gigs on Good Morning America, NPR, and Home Matters. Tune in to #Herbchat on Twitter (Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.) where you will find her as your host. Quiz Answers: 1. J, 2. D, 3. S, 4. A, 5. E, 6. C, 7. L, 8. R, 9. F, 10. N, 11. Q, 12. K, 13. B, 14. I, 15. G, 16. H, 17. P, 18. T, 19. O, 20. M

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DAILY SPECIALS & PIZZA BY THE SLICE

1605 MANSELL RD, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 — 770-640-5637 — JOESNEWYORKPIZZERIA.COM

FREEDOM FIGHTER IPA: JOIN THE FIGHT By Tara Gary “The most important first step in fighting to end human trafficking is getting a conversation started.” - Taylor Ganio

ecently while I was sitting at one of my It’s the exploitation of a person into slave labor or was I wrong by assuming human trafficking isn’t a favorite local breweries, Gate City Brewing sexual exploitation involving fraud, coercion, and local issue. Georgia is one of the top states affected Company, I noticed this cool little tank top force. Human trafficking is considered a hidden by sex trafficking. Approximately 7,200 men purdisplayed behind the bar. It had a large red X crime. Victims are often those who are vulnerable, chase sex from a minor every month in Georgia, across it and read “FREEDOM FIGHTER.” I was have no strong family relationships, safety nets, or according to The Schapiro Group. While Georgia intrigued. Then I noticed there was a package deal place they feel comfortable to seek refuge. rates among the worst in this area, it rates as one available to purchase the tank top with a six-pack You may be surprised to learn the United States of the best states as far as its efforts to combat the of Freedom Fighter IPA. How could I not? I love is ranked as one of the highest human trafficking situation. brewery tank tops, and I love beer. But wait, what areas in the world with an astounding estimation January is the official U.S. National Slavery did “FREEDOM FIGHTER” stand for? I had of 1.5 million incidents, according to the Georgia and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. If you an idea it was associated with the fight against Department of Administrative Services. And boy found yourself on one of the domestic Delta One human trafficking based on flights during the month of things I had seen previously; in January, chances are you saw fact, the red X is the main logo the opportunity to purchase the associated with the fight against Freedom Fighter IPA that I rehuman trafficking. Ignorantly, I ferred to earlier from Gate City assumed human trafficking is a Brewing Company. The sales problem that exists “somewhere of the beer helped support the else.” I inquired about the community work of two local significance of the shirt and organizations, Out of Darkness beer before purchasing. I was and Wellspring Living, whose enlightened, shocked, and missions are to reach out and saddened once informed of the provide assistance to victims. true definition and existence I have always known about of this terrible act. I also felt Delta’s dedication to giving appreciation that a brewery back to the community, and I would stand behind the fight was ecstatic upon learning Gate against such an important issue. City’s Freedom Fighter IPA was I went home that evening being offered on many of their with a sense of obligation to edflights. ucate myself about this situation I was so proud and delighted and found out some astonishing that one of our local (and one facts. First of all, what exactly of my favorite) breweries was is human trafficking. Human helping to make a difference trafficking is a serious crime towards this serious cause, and Corey Regini and Taylor Ganio of Gate City Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of Heidi Frampton. and violation of human rights. I wanted to find out who was

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

Gate City Brewing Company

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

WHERE THE FLAVORS OF BRAZIL COME ALIVE

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Gate City Brewing Company's Awareness Ale: Freedom Fighter IPA. Photo courtesy of Heidi Frampton. behind Freedom Fighter. I visited Gate City, as I often do, and luckily was told the creator of this delicious and conscientious IPA would be stopping by the taproom momentarily. Mind you, I don’t believe (or dream) only husky men create beer, but I certainly didn’t expect to meet a petite and bubbly brunette, Taylor Ganio. Together with Gate City head brewer, Corey Regini, they brewed one of the most important and relevant beers in Atlanta right now. Taylor seemed thrilled in my interest and more than happy to share her passion and vast knowledge on the subject of human trafficking. Though we were both on time constraints due to our schedules, Taylor agreed to answer a few of my questions through email. Here’s what she had to say: When did you start working for Gate City Brewing Company? I started working at Gate City on February 25, 2019. What is your job title? I am an Account Manager. What interested you in the job? I had just recently moved back to Georgia after graduating college from the University of South Florida in Tampa. While living in Tampa I worked at a local brewery down there for almost four years. Upon a visit back home, during my time in college, I visited Gate City Brewing Company and had an amazing time! When I moved back up here, I immediately applied for a job and was hired right away. So, ultimately what interested me was my first initial experience ever visiting Gate City. Is Freedom Fighter the first beer you have brewed, and how did you come up with the recipe? Freedom Fighter is the second beer I have helped brew, I mainly have created the recipes and assisted during the brewing process. I have always loved IPAs! It is an incredibly popular style, especially here in Georgia. When I was creating this recipe, I wanted to make sure that it would be an IPA that everyone would enjoy, even the non-beer drinkers or rather the non-IPA drinkers. I feel like we were really able to achieve this goal through the recipe we created. What it really comes down to is knowing what hops work well together, if you can understand that, then you can master a great IPA. Freedom Fighter is one of our favorite new IPAs and features Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops giving it a great tropical aroma with a smooth mouthfeel and finish. What prompted you to brew the beer? Craft beer has always been a huge part of my family. Growing up, I was sur-

As this beer and cause have gained 27 traction and grown beyond our wildest dreams, we have had to adjust the giveback portion moving forward for distribution. We have settled on 5% of all sales to distribution being donated directly to local charities in the fight against human trafficking. How have your co-workers responded to your efforts? Throughout this whole process, I feel we all have been able to educate ourselves more on this issue. My co-workers have been nothing but supportive, which is one of my favorite things about working at Gate City. We are all one big family, and I am so grateful for every single one of them!

How long have you had an interest in combating human trafficking? In college I was a criminology major, and I focused a lot of my studies on human trafficking. As time went by, I found myself getting incredibly passionate about helping to advoSource: Polaris National Hotline 2018 Statistics Fact Sheet cate and raise awareness on this issue. I had never taken the time to really put any thought into how serious Tell me about anything else interesting that has happened as a result of this horrendous crime was, and how often it was occurring. Human traffickbrewing this beer. ing is a serious issue in our country that many turn a blind eye to. Sometimes I have met many incredible individuals throughout this entire process and the things that scare us the most are the things we try to avoid. learned a lot more about human trafficking, specifically pertaining to Georgia. Human trafficking is an issue we all need to be aware of—it is real and happening now, all around us. The most important first step in fighting to end human trafficking is getting a conversation started. By talking about it, we are already raising awareness. This was exactly what we were aiming for when we wanted to create an awareness beer. With craft beer growing immensely, what better way to start a conversation than over a great beer! Being able to incorporate two passions of mine together has been such an incredible achievement. Creating a great beer, while also helping in the fight to end human trafficking.

Just through my interactions with guests in the taproom, and by our day at the Delta Sky Club, we have all opened up a whole new conversation: Human Trafficking.

Was there something that lead you to want to spread awareness of human trafficking? Being able to combine both of my passions together, to help raise more awareness on human trafficking, was something I could not turn down.

As it turns out, Delta Air Lines shares the same passion as Taylor and her co-workers at Gate City. In 2011, Delta was the first airline to sign The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code)—the world’s first and only voluntary set of business principles travel and tour companies can implement to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. As a way to raise awareness during the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month of January, Delta released a human trafficking awareness video onboard flights—“25 Million: Help the Unseen”—as well as featured Gate City’s Freedom Fighter IPA. The Freedom Fighter beer can label features the red X symbol, facts about human trafficking in Georgia, and a hotline number to call for help. Being aware of the problem is key. If you suspect an act of human trafficking, are a victim, or need help, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to “BeFree” (233733). For more information, visit End Human Trafficking Now at endhtnow.com. Many thanks to Delta and Gate City Brewing Company for their contribution to increase awareness of human trafficking. Join the fight—you can make a difference.l

How much is Gate City Brewing Company donating to the cause? At our original awareness event and launch of Freedom Fighter IPA, we were able to partner with the Roswell Rotary Club to raise funds that were donated to Out of Darkness (outofdarkness.org) and Wellspring Living (wellspringliving. org), both are charities fighting against human trafficking. We donated 100% of every dollar raised at the event from Freedom Fighter IPA and also raised awareness by having local charities out to talk about human trafficking. Freedom Fighter IPA on a Delta flight. Photo: Heidi Frampton.

One thing we really wanted to achieve from all this was to shed some light on a very dark issue. By just being aware, advocating, volunteering, and reporting suspicious behavior, we all can help in the fight to end human trafficking. If you see something, say something—you could save many lives.

Gate City Brewing Company | 43 Magnolia Street | Roswell, GA 30075 gatecitybrewingcompany.com

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

mpton.

rounded by craft beer drinkers. My dad and all my uncles were always sharing beer with one another, and while I was not always old enough to drink, my dad made a point to talk about beer to my sister and I. I guess you could say he persuaded us early on to appreciate good craft beer. This ultimately prompted me to grow passion for beer and the brewing process as a whole.

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

local eats

by Joe Duffy

Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon

ount me as all-in on the craft beer frenzy. However, as breweries burst forth like kudzu in Georgia, I feared a saturation point was unavoidable. When one of Roswell’s four new breweries, Abbey of the Holy Goats, went belly-up quicker than most froyo-at-every-corner joints, I surmised the tipping point had been reached. For the first time in more than a decennium, I was mistaken about something. I’ll drink to that. Yeah, Hop Alley, Alpharetta’s brewery/ restaurant with very good food and beer, encumbered with clockwork bad service, made a transformation

into Currahee Brewing Company with the same owner. But closures have been outnumbered by openings and expansions. There is no deceleration of this phenomenon. Johns Creek finally got into the game with Six Bridges Brewing, and within the last two months, both Jekyll Brewing out of Alpharetta and Cherry Street Brewing in Cumming opened up restaurants with second brewery locations. Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon has opened in the northernmost tip of Alpharetta. Bordering Cumming, they cook bar food quite well. It’s run by Nick Tanner, son of Rick Tanner, who opened this hotspot with his sister Alisa. Longtime Atlantans will remember the senior Tanner from Tanner’s Chicken Rotisserie, a popular multi-location restaurant from the mid-80s through the turn

Pimento cheese was the highlight of a very good appetizer platter.

of the century. The Duffy family—well, oldest son and I in particular—commenced with a sampling of appetizers. Pimento cheese is perhaps runner-up only to Bite as my favorite. Nicely shredded, quality, real cheese (nothing processed) gave it both a pleasant texture and flavor. The hummus was thicker and not as silky smooth as a lot of Middle Eastern restaurants construct it. The variation was a quality interpretation on a vegetarian spread that has blossomed into an American staple in recent years. The warm queso was higher-grade than you will ingest at most of the cookie-cutter, order-by-number Tex-Mex restaurants around town. Initial reaction was that I would have favored a little less batter on my fish and chips. But with each bite, I

enjoyed the flavor and crunchiness, which makes the not-that-overly coated breading necessary. Made with the house whitefish, Pacific grouper, I’d declare it is probably my favorite fish and chips. Fries are unique, almost a cross between homemade chips (but thicker) and fries. Though nobody adores international and regional foods and eating like the Romans do more than yours truly, there are scarce instances of my ceding to the typical American way. For example, as much as I love Asian food—the real thing especially—I detest chopsticks. When it comes to fish and chips, give me tartar sauce for the fish and catchup for the fries— err, chips. The one consistent complaint I have both experienced and heard about Cherry Street Brewpub is

Grouper fish and chips, crunchy and among the best you will have.

29 FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

hiness, erly Made ific ably my

cross ut body onal mans re are g to the ample, —the Cherry Street Brewpub's beer pretzel was a hit. t fish ce for boiled, corned beef version served that the service is deficient, and ries— it can be really lacking at times. I with the most traditional garnishes of Swiss cheese, Thousand Island was surprised I wasn’t offered malt int I dressing, and sauerkraut. It was a vinegar, as I thought I spotted some eard sound adaptation in the increasingly on a cart in the corner. But the heart b is competitive field. of the matter is, though sometimes Your humble correspondent has I do occasionally eat a small portion a very limited list of food items I’m the Brit way, it’s not my preference. The outstanding tartar sauce is made not fond of. Peanut butter lovers and I just aren’t simpatico, so I will leave in-house and rounds out the dish. it to them to judge the PB&J Burger It’s a credit to the Tanner siblings with two smash patties, American this integral component is not overlooked. cheese, bacon slices, red pepper jelly, and peanut butter. But it’s a big Yeah, I’ve mentioned before, if seller. Sounds great to me, sans the my wife is with me and there is a latter topping. beer pretzel on the menu, no need Other popular items include to verify that she wants to try—it’s safely assumed. Chef Todd Hogan chicken lips (rotisserie pulled chicken with three types of cheese, raised the standard with said item hand rolled and fried, in an egg roll) (and accompaniments), now at all served with queso; prime (rib) and three of his restaurants, but the cheddar sandwich; and Moroccan Tanner’s rendition is impressive too. mussels. As noted in a previous issue, the quality of Reuben sandwiches in The original Cherry Street Hubville has soared just in the last Brewing and its Halcyon by-product have no overlapping beers, with the 2-3 years. Enter Cherry Street’s beer

Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon | 6640 Town Square, Suite 510 Alpharetta, GA 30005 | cherrystreetbrewing.com

The bar staple of wings are done well. occasional exception of what has become their signature brew Steppin’ Razor—their beloved American Imperial IPA. “Our Honey Amber, Halcyon Haze, and Lake Beer Lager have really been huge hits!” I had the latter, and it was as good as any lager I’ve had. The family-friendly restaurant has an adjacent adults-only energetic lounge, with a nice mishmash of humanity, some who have been legally drinking for no more than a decade mixed with a great many of those of us of a certain age. Halcyon itself is among the newest of the multi-use communities forevermore altering the panorama of Alpharetta. Whether or not North Alpharetta embraces the miniature Avalon remains to be seen. Cherry Street Brewpub attains high marks with the vibe and elevated bar food. If they achieve a matching service level, the shiny object LWP development has an anchor hangout.

Sound Bites I will say it again. And presumably again. Alpharetta City Center

continues to get finer. Jinya Ramen Bar is probably my favorite of the three proximate ramen options. Friendly server exclaimed that spicy chicken is their most popular. I went with the add-on of freshly grated cheese and tomatoes to top it off. I shall return… Back around the turn of the century, the most hackneyed and stale restaurant catchphrase was “upscale food in a casual atmosphere.” However, that flawlessly characterizes Persian Kabob Land on Mansell. Counter service, but they are not employing bargain-basement Sysco crap. I can guarantee you that. When I observe a menu item portrayed as “signature,” my verdict is pretty much made on what to order. Such prestige was bestowed to the very tender, juicy lamb wrapped inside a chicken kabob. It compares favorably with fancier sit-down Persian places. No Minute Rice here either. A lot of dishes are in the upper teens and a lower $20 range. However, they also have wraps for $7.99, plus $1.75 for Persian potatoes or $1.95 for (continued next page)

FEBRUARY 2020 THECURRENTHUB.COM

fte live music thursdays :

: feb 6 — Sam holt & tori pater 7–10 pm feb 13 — hoodoo moon feb 20 — mark michelson and friends feb 27 — the highbeams : thursday shows start at 6:30 pm — no cover! :

more free events

friday feb 21 — the broadcast sunday feb 23 — jeff mosier and friends tuesday feb 25 — fat tuesday party with the Squirrelheads (new orleans funk band) saturday feb 29 — snap! is a high energy Blues,

Funk & Soul band from the Atlanta/Athens area that perform original music along with their takes on classics & deep cuts from some of their musical heroes. Snap! features current and former members of Blackberry Smoke, Cracker, Dr. John, Ween, ScrapOmatic and more. :

Popular spicy chicken ramen with freshly grated cheese and tomatoes from Jinya Ramen Bar. fries. Didn’t get any, nor ask, but I’ll bet they are cut in-house. Peeking at other tables, fries portion looked pretty generous… I pity the fool who has never done the “Parsons Pie Parlay” of O4W Pizza and Crave Pie Studio in Duluth. The bad news is Crave has been shut down because of a fire in an adjacent restaurant. The good news is their second location opened up at Alpharetta City Center. You should try it because they are great. But the poor young lady also deserves support as she seeks to rebuild her business from said disaster. They also do savory pies, such as possibly the best chicken pot pie you will ever eat.l

check out these videos! the broadcast

the squirrelheads

When he’s not eating, which is rare, the author is CEO of Sports Handicapping website OffshoreInsiders.com. His bride’s gift site, DuffyGifts. com is the place to go for gifts of all occasions from My Thirty One Gifts.

jeff mosier and friends

1570 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076 770.910.9799 T FTEBREWING.COM fte happy hour every day 3pm–5pm featuring $6 appetizers and daily specials

House specialty lamb kabobs wrapped in chicken kabobs at Persian Kabob Land.

Mitch’s Meats & Fish

“Mitch Manoloff is Roswell’s soup and sandwich thaumaturge.” (thaumaturge: a worker of wonders and performer of miracles; a magician)

Wednesday thru Friday 11am – 2 pm Your choice of Pickle or Chips with your lunch order

We also offer 6 to 8 different soups (4 different sizes) Soup on Saturday 11am – 2pm (All Sam-Mitch’s are made-to-order, all soups, breads & biscuits are made daily)

Pastrami on Mitch’s Rye Bread Muenster cheese & Dijon mustard

U N E M N T O N TI E R EC R U SEL

The ‘VooDoo’ Sam-Mitch Bavette (beef-flap meat) sauté, Gruyère & Havarti cheese, Zapp’s VooDoo chips, bone marrow broth

Wagyu Skirt Sam-Mitch WB Skirt meat sauté, mozzarella, bone marrow broth

Corn Beef on Mitch’s Rye Creamy sweet onion & bacon dressing

)

The ‘Penstone’ Cheese Steak, Mitch’s Hoagie Beef tenderloin & New York Strip meat sauté, cheddar, mozzarella & Muenster cheese(s), roasted tomatoes & a little sweet onion confit

The Two (2) Roll ‘Mack’ Attack Mitch’s roasted beef, bacon mayo, lettuce & roasted tomatoes The ‘Lance’ Chicken Sam-Mitch on White Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breasts (choice of chicken), basil magic, lettuce & roasted tomatoes Fish Sandwich, Spicy Tartar Mitch’s white bread, lettuce, roasted tomatoes (you pick from our fish case, all fish is sauté) Mitch’s Caesar Salad Romaine, Pecorino Romano cheese, Mitch’s Rye toast

Voted Best Butcher in Roswell!

Joe Duffy, Food Critic

(

Voted Best Butcher in Roswell!

Not only is Mitch “Voted Best Butcher in Roswell,” some people say he’s the best this side of the Mississippi. Besides offering an outstanding variety of beef, pork, lamb, chicken/poultry, fish, etc....which he personally cuts and prepares to your liking, he also has a plethora of prepared ready to cook and prepared ready to eat selections. Sam-Mitch menu is offered 3 days a week along with his homemade selection of 6-8 soups daily.

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WELLSTAR AVALON HEALTH PARK 2450 Old Milton Parkway | Alpharetta, GA 30009 (470) 267-0260

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